UNFINISHED business at state league level has lured former Melbourne footballer Rory Taggert away from North Warrnambool Eagles’ nest.

Taggert signed for South Australian National Football League powerhouse Sturt on Thursday after months weighing up a work-related move.

The 24-year-old hopes his second stint with the Adelaide club – three seasons after his first ended – will return his best football.

“Last time I was up there, I had a couple of injury-riddled years. My body is feeling really good right now and I thought ‘why not give it one last shot?’,” Taggert said.

“I’m not going leave any stones unturned. I spoke to head coach Marty Mattner and he felt there is a leadership role for me there.”

Taggert revealed time under Brisbane Lions champion Jonathan Brown with the Hampden interleague squad re-ignited his desire to play at a state league level.

“It probably developed that hunger to play at a higher level again and wanting to be a part of an elite environment,” he said.

“With Browny involved (in 2017) it was more enjoyable than the previous yeartravelling away and buying into the standards he set for the team was fantastic.

“After playing at that level I felt like I could give playing footy at (state league) standard one last go.”

Taggert arrived at Bushfield in 2016 before undertaking a joint coaching position alongside Graeme Twaddle this season.

The midfielder-forward felt his foray into coaching affected his on-field performances. “I found I was a bit too young for coaching at this stage. I’ve still got a bit to go before I look at it again.”

He expected North Warrnambool Eagles to soar in the near future.

“I believe they’re in a great position for success with the success of the juniors and reserves,” Taggert said.